As far as I am aware, this is Lincoln Brewster's first full album of original material since around 2002, and as such it is long overdue, but believe me, it is well, WELL worth the wait.
In the intervening years since his last full studio effort, a lot has changed in Lincoln World. Perhaps the most significant fact as it affects this album is that he has his own fully functioning studio which allows for more creativity and less time pressure, and it could be this that has resulted in Lincoln's most liberated-sounding recording of his career.
Originally, this project was to be another live one, but lucky for us that Lincoln and band are able to give full rein to their endless creativity and musical sensibility.
Finally Brewster sounds like he is really able to be himself, firing off a series of brilliantly unfeasible riffs and solos, and in the process creating a funky, rocking, but ultimately worshiping wonderland.
Highlights are many, from the ridiculously catchy title track, co-penned with Paul Baloche, through the equally infectious shuffle groove of "Everywhere I Go", the joyous Black Gospel romp of "Give Him Praise", which features the silken vocal cords of Israel Houghton, the gorgeous "God You Reign" which features the voices of Lincoln's wife and 2 young sons.
But maybe the two best moments are saved until last, the definitive version of Joel Houston's "Salvation Is Here" which is longer than the previously available Lincoln version of this song, with the addition of an extra rocking middle section. And then there's closer "Let Your Glory Shine", which is the sound of Eddie Van Halen finding Christ.
There are few words that can adequately express just how good this song is. From a musician's point of view it has everything; a ludicrous opening guitar salvo, a wickedly funky groove with a humungus drum sound and a massive singalong chorus. And then just when you're settling into expecting a funky solo halfway through the song, Lincoln pulls a master stroke. Off we head into a totally different tempo and rock groove a la Van Halen before returning to the funk groove for a delicious ending. Genius.
All in all, the best album by far that Lincoln Brewster has made, and one which finds him acknowledging his rock, gospel and funk tastes whilst also musically namechecking the likes of John Mayer, whose influence on the record seems clear.
Any musician will eat this album up, while any worshiper will find encouragement and inspiration.
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